Article

Keeping the tone of report cards encouraging and constructive can be a tricky enterprise. Here are some favorite words and phrases that are used by some of the top report-card writers around: Experienced teachers.

Stressing the Positive

Phrases: is able to, is strong in, has a good grasp of, independent learner, works hard, improved tremendously, is willing to take more risks, excels at, making good progress, does a great job with, has great potential for

Child Needs Extra Help

Words: requires, struggles, seldom, usually

Phrases: could profit by, shows a need for, finds it difficult at times to, it is helpful to, is challenged by, works best when, needs help with, I'm working with him/her to, had trouble with, making progress, seems reticent about, needs encouragement in, has a tendency to, let's find a way to solve this together

Words to be Wary of

Unable, can't, won't, always, never

This article originally appeared in Instructormagazine, published by Scholastic.

Related Resources

Although report cards vary widely from one district to the next, you'll almost always find a descriptor section and a narrative section of some sort. Here's a way to familiarize yourself with the both elements.